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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 35


Page 35 of 44

Scientists explore causes of biodiversity in perching birds

A global team of scientists has identified possible causes of diversity among modern bird species, focusing on perching birds. The study found that changes in geology and climate played a role in the evolution of these birds, with evidence suggesting that glaciations and warming periods impacted their development.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2019

Like old photographs, memories fade over time

A team of Boston College researchers discovered that memories fade in quality over time, losing vibrancy and visual details. The study found that people report declines in the visual qualities of their memories, akin to applying a filter to edit a picture.

SourceBoston College·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study calculates costs associated with smoking by patients with cancer

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis increases the risk of cancer treatment failure and adds $11,000 to treatment costs per patient. The research estimates $3.4 billion in national additional cancer treatment costs if patients continue to smoke.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 5, 2019

Eyes reveal early Alzheimer's disease

Researchers detected vascular changes in the human eye using an infrared camera, providing a new potential biomarker for identifying individuals at high risk of progressing to Alzheimer's. The study aims to explore the correlation between retinal capillaries and other brain biomarkers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2019

Unexpected rain on sun links two solar mysteries

Researchers found evidence of coronal rain in smaller, previously overlooked magnetic loops on the Sun. The discovery links two solar mysteries: the anomalous heating of the corona and the source of the slow solar wind.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 5, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Research identifies genetic causes of poor sleep

A study published in Nature Communications has found 47 links between the genetic code and sleep quality, quantity, and timing. The research team identified a gene called PDE11A as affecting not only sleep duration but also quality, with variants impacting sleep measures.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2019

Unjamming the genome after DNA damage

A protein complex, Ccr4-Not, has been shown to recruit factors that mark RNAPII with ubiquitin, triggering its degradation and clearing the jam. This process is essential for normal cell function and preventing diseases associated with DNA damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 5, 2019

Parental behavior affects the involvement of children in cyberbullying

Andalusian researchers found that children who receive more affection and encouragement from their parents are less likely to be involved in cyberbullying. Conversely, those who experience punitive discipline are more likely to engage in online aggression and victimization.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 5, 2019

What are the costs of continued smoking among patients with cancer?

A new study found that continued smoking by patients with cancer adds significant costs to subsequent cancer treatment. The analysis conservatively suggests a total of nearly $11,000 in increased treatment costs for each smoking patient after their initial cancer treatment fails.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 5, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

SUTD uncovers the power of dynamically rewiring swarm robotic systems

A study by researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) reveals the importance of dynamic rewiring in swarm robotic systems for optimal collective response to changing environmental conditions. The team discovered a specific number of interactions required for effective collective operations.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 2019

DFG to fund 6 new Research Units

The DFG is funding six new Research Units addressing various pressing research issues. The units will focus on improving the evaluation of whole genome sequences, investigating resilience in religion and spirituality, developing adaptive polymer gels, and understanding cytomegalovirus immune responses.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateApr 5, 2019

Rocket fuel that's cleaner, safer and still full of energy

Researchers at McGill University have created a new class of hypergolic fuels that are significantly cleaner and safer than current options. These fuels use metal-organic frameworks to unlock energy, offering a promising solution for the aerospace industry.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 2019

Getting to the bottom of the 'boiling crisis'

Researchers at MIT have found a way to quantify the boiling crisis phenomenon, which occurs when bubbles merge on a heated surface, blocking heat transfer. By analyzing patterns and density of bubbles, they can predict when the crisis will occur, potentially allowing for more efficient operation of power plants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 5, 2019

Rainforest conservation in Peru must become more effective

A study by the University of Bonn finds that Peru's National Forest Conservation Program has a small effect on curbing deforestation in the Amazon region. Three key recommendations are proposed: full territorial enrollment, stricter compliance enforcement, and targeted funding for ecologically endangered areas.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 5, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Scientists develop methods to validate gene regulation networks

The research offers a potential framework and more efficient methods for investigating vital pathways in any organism. The team mapped out a network of interactions for how plant genes coordinate their response to nitrogen, a crucial nutrient and the main component of fertilizer.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2019

Radiation and plants: From soil remediation to interplanetary flights

Researchers studied the effects of ionizing radiation on plants, finding that it can alter physiological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. The study suggests that ionizing radiation can have both negative and positive effects on plant life, depending on the context.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Environmental Radioactivity·DateApr 5, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Mystery of negative capacitance in perovskite solar cells solved

Researchers from EPFL have solved the puzzle of negative capacitance in perovskite solar cells by identifying a slow modification of current passing through contact, regulated by mobile ionic charge. This discovery sheds light on interaction between photovoltaic effect and ionic conductivity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2019

Mutation stands in the way of healthy blood cell maturation

Researchers discovered how a specific TET2 gene mutation obstructs healthy blood cell maturation in mice. The study provides crucial knowledge to develop treatments for haematological disorders and targets the common mutation found in leukaemia patients.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 5, 2019

Researchers discover CP violation in charm meson decays

Scientists from HSE and Yandex collaborate on LHCb experiment, discovering CP violation in charm meson decays with statistical significance of 5.3 standard deviations. AI tools improve data selection and analysis, enabling correct interpretation of physical results.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·DateApr 5, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

What the Finnish concept of sisu can offer the world

A new study from Aalto University proposes that sisu, a universal human strength, can help individuals surpass preconceived limitations through stored-up energy reserves. However, excessive sisu can lead to burnout and an attitude of mercilessness, emphasizing the need for balance and self-awareness.

SourceAalto University·JournalInternational Journal of Wellbeing·DateApr 5, 2019

Compass orientation of a migratory bat species depends on sunset direction

Researchers found that a migratory bat species uses the sunset direction to navigate, contradicting previous assumptions that echolocation was the primary navigation method. The study also revealed that young bats must learn this skill through social interaction with older conspecifics.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 4, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Rusted root: Weedy rice repeatedly evolves 'cheater' root traits

Researchers found that weedy rice has evolved a root growth strategy that minimizes below-ground contact with other plants, allowing it to exploit the nutrient-sharing soil environment of rice fields. This 'cheater' root trait enables weedy rice to outcompete cultivated rice for essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNew Phytologist·DateApr 4, 2019

Black nanoparticles slow the growth of tumors

Researchers developed melanin-loaded cell membrane derived nanoparticles that improved tumor imaging and slowed tumor growth in an animal model. The nanoparticles also triggered an immune response against the tumor, making them a potential option for theranostics.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Survey provides snapshot of global ECMO transport services

A survey of 15 successful ECMO transport programs reveals variations in organization, team structure, and certification process. The study emphasizes the need for international standards and accreditation to ensure high-quality care.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalASAIO Journal·DateApr 4, 2019

Spin lasers facilitate rapid data transfer

Researchers have developed a novel concept for rapid data transfer using spin lasers, which can work at least five times faster than traditional systems and consume significantly less energy. The technology has the potential to revolutionize data transmission, but further optimization is needed.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Defining the emotional bond forced onto teen victims of sex trafficking

Researchers identified three tools traffickers use to force a psychological bond: severe power imbalance, alternating brutal and seductive behavior, and social isolation. This 'trauma coercive bonding' disrupts children's development, leading to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and repeat victimization.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Pediatric Nursing·DateApr 4, 2019

Capturing mosquito waste could speed up virus detection

Researchers have developed a new method to detect mosquito-borne viruses in the wild by collecting and testing mosquito waste. The technique, which has been proven effective in detecting three types of viruses, could speed up virus detection and provide an early warning system for public health officials.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateApr 4, 2019

Researchers uncover new cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm

A team of researchers at Cardiff University has discovered that a family of lipids contribute to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm by driving clotting in blood vessels. The findings suggest new treatments for this potentially life-threatening condition by regulating blood clotting.

SourceCardiff University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Post-wildfire step-pool streams

Researchers find that severity of wildfire and rainfall intensity affect stability and destruction of step-pool units, impacting habitats and benthic organisms. Management strategies vary from 'leave alone' to active channel management based on burn severity.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateApr 4, 2019

Vanderbilt-led research team 'sprints' to stop Zika virus

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center research team successfully developed a protective antibody-based treatment against the Zika virus, completing the challenge in just 12 days. The breakthrough could pave the way for rapid deployment of treatments to prevent outbreaks and pandemics worldwide.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateApr 4, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Magnetic nanoparticles can 'burn' cancer cells

New research shows that magnetic hyperthermia therapy is tunable depending on nanoparticle diameter and material composition. The study demonstrates increased tumour absorption rates as particle diameter increases, offering new avenues for targeted cancer treatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 4, 2019

Associating colors with vowels? Almost all of us do!

A large majority of participants associated 'aa' with more red and 'ee' with lighter color, regardless of synaesthesia. The study suggests that the vowel system of a language plays a crucial role in shaping color associations.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateApr 4, 2019

New hope for treating childhood brain cancer

A recent study in animal models of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) has identified an experimental drug that effectively destroys DIPG cells by depleting cellular cholesterol. The researchers also found that the compound works by directly inhibiting lanosterol synthase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol production.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2019

Researchers engineer a cost-effective treatment for neglected tropical disease

Scientists have engineered a fungus to produce a high-concentration antibiotic, which could treat African sleeping sickness. The breakthrough uses genetic modification to create a non-toxic variant of the antibiotic, offering a cost-effective solution to this neglected tropical disease.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Interparental aggression often co-occurs with aggression toward kids

Researchers found that spillover-aggression from parents towards each other can cause children to exhibit greater fear during future incidents of interparental aggression. Spillover-exposed children are more likely to engage in their parents' conflicts by attempting to solve the problem or making peace.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateApr 4, 2019

Think female race car drivers aren't fit enough? Think again

A new study from Michigan State University has dispelled the myth that women are less fit than men behind the wheel. Despite natural hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle, female drivers react and respond similarly to male counterparts on the race track.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateApr 4, 2019

Study: Protein key to Charcot-Marie-Tooth, other nerve diseases

A new study found that increasing levels of protein MFN1 can counterbalance mutated protein MFN2 in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and improve mitochondrial function. This approach may also be effective for other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which affect millions of people worldwide.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 4, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Research improves understanding of new form of cell-cell communication

Scientists have improved their understanding of a new form of cell-cell communication based on extracellular RNA. Researchers analyzed human exRNAs from 19 studies and developed computational tools to deconvolute complex data, revealing six major types of exRNA cargo and carriers that can be detected in bodily fluids.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 4, 2019

Peptide keeps predatory nematodes from eating their kin

A small peptide produced in predatory nematodes' skin prevents them from eating their kin, while they feed on close relatives. The discovery reveals a self-recognition system in nematodes that discriminates between self and other organisms.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.